First Ukrainian Paralympian Medalist Calls for ‘Independent Ukraine’

"I devote my first medal in Sochi to an independent Ukraine. Every time I race, it will be for Ukrainian independence and peace in my country."

The first Ukranian paralympian medalist dedicated her medal in Sochi Saturday to an “independent Ukraine,” adding that every time she races “it will be for Ukrainian independence and peace in my country."

On the first day of competition Saturday, paralympian Olena Iurkovska won bronze in the first biathlon, finishing behind Russia’s Svetlana Konovalova.

Iurkovska took the opportunity to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating:

I devote my first medal in Sochi to an independent Ukraine. Every time I race, it will be for Ukrainian independence and peace in my country.